This astonishing CCTV footage shows the moment a man is thought to have HYPNOTISED a shopkeeper before stealing his day's takings.

Off-licence owner Aftab Haider was apparently placed in a trance by the 'hypnotist thief'.

As the 56-year-old stood motionless, the suspect is then accused of rifling through his pockets and stealing hundreds of pounds in cash.

The raid at Hops and Pops wine merchants in Highgate, north London, is the first ever time this type of crime has been captured on CCTV in the UK.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, a friend of Mr Haider said: “We had no idea Aziz had been hypnotised. When he told me what happened I just thought, how could he have just let someone hug him and start going through his pockets?

(Image: BBC Crimewatch / Met Police)

“He said he just suddenly realised the man had stolen from him and ran out of the shop to find him but he got away."

The footage shows the suspect entering the store and gently tapping his arm.

The Eastern European man then makes a stabbing gesture which leaves the shopkeeper apparently mesmerised.

As reported by the Evening Standard, the 'hypnotist' then reaches inside Mr Haider's trouser pockets before grabbing his wallet.

(Image: BBC Crimewatch / Met Police)

As he continues talking to the shopkeeper, the suspect then apparently makes a gesture of a pregnant woman's belly.

He then places his hand inside the off-licence owner's other pocked and removes a bundle of cash.

The 'hypnotist thief' then taps Mr Haider on the shoulder and exits the shop.

Seconds later, the shopkeeper seems to return to normal and realises what has happened.

(Image: BBC Crimewatch / Met Police)

He shouted “Oi, oi, excuse me...” but the suspect had already left the shop.

The footage of the theft at 9.45pm on September 11 has now been released by Scotland Yard detectives in an effort to find the man.

The suspect is about 5ft 8in tall and aged between 30 and 35 years old. He was slim with short black hair and wore dark jeans, a grey polo shirt and a black bomber jacket.

Anyone with information should call police on 020 3276 3158 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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